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Kevin Bacon tears up in emotional tribute to 'A Few Good Men' director Rob Reiner: 'I'm not sure how to do this'
Kevin Bacon has happy memories of his time making the 1992 movie 'A Few Good Men," especially of late director Rob Reiner.
WHO highlights health risks and opportunities in the global waste crisis
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environments they live in.Globally, the volume of municipal solid waste is growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, many countries still lack the systems and resources to manage this waste safely. “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director a.i., Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at the World Health Organization. “If we continue to treat waste as an afterthought, we will lock in avoidable disease, climate pollution and deep social inequities. This report is a clear call to put health and equity at the centre of how we design, manage and ultimately reduce waste.”The report summarizes evidence on how solid waste – especially municipal solid waste – affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food. When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned or not poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.Communities underserved by waste management services, those living near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills and incinerators, children and pregnant women, as well as waste workers – particularly those working informally – face the greatest risks. For the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community, the report underlines that safe management of municipal and health care waste is integral to safely managed, climate-resilient systems.A large share of municipal solid waste is still not collected or is disposed of in uncontrolled conditions, including open dumpsites and open burning. These practices damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and undermine efforts to build healthy cities. When waste is properly managed, however, it can become a resource – generating energy and creating green jobs. The report calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response grounded in the waste hierarchy: preventing waste where possible, then reducing, reusing and recycling, with safe recovery and disposal.Key actions for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at source; expanding affordable and reliable waste collection services, especially in underserved communities; improving control at recovery and disposal facilities; and eliminating open dumping and burning, including hazardous waste. The new report identifies a central role for the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector can prevent and minimize health-care waste at source, improve segregation and safe treatment, invest in cleaner climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards. The report also encourages more surveillance, research and biomonitoring to strengthen the evidence base, and promotes social protection and inclusion of informal waste workers.“This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda,” said Mr Bruce Gordon, Head, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit, WHO. “Health ministries can start now by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programmes for waste workers, and working with municipalities to reduce health risks from solid waste by closing open dumps and burn sites and gradually improving towards safe services. These concrete steps save lives today and will make cities cleaner and healthier in the future.
The WNBPA’s proposed development player program would revolutionize women’s basketball
The latest WNBPA CBA proposal includes a revolutionary developmental aspect.
Computer Science Grads Aren’t Landing High-Paying Jobs. But Don’t Trash Those Degrees Yet.
Recent college graduates are questioning the value of their computer science degrees because there aren't as many lucrative jobs available. What they need is a mindset shift.
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Changing A Key iPhone Feature For Some Users
The latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
Philips to acquire AI-enabled intravascular imaging specialists SpectraWAVE
Massachusetts-SpectraWAVE has gained considerable momentum in recent years, planting its flag in some of cardiology’s biggest trends. The company was co-founded by cardiologists and has already secured multiple FDA clearances.
Latest round of talks between Ukraine, U.S. conclude as Trump seeks swift peace
There were no immediate comments on the talks in Berlin that involved Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner
Here is What to Know Beyond Why AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC) is a Trending Stock
AMC Entertainment (AMC) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
Heisman Trophy: Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia apologizes for 'disrespectful' post
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia had a lot to say after his controversial post drew negative attention
Police in Japan arrest a suspect in stabbing at an entertainment complex
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese police said Monday they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka. Both had non-life-threatening injuries.
MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition Review
MSI aims for the AMD motherboard crown with one of the most over the top halo tier models we've seen yet. You get a crazy specification with cutting edge features and an equally mad price. But has MSI done enough to beat the competition?
Police in Japan arrest a suspect in stabbing at an entertainment complex
Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in Fukuoka. Both had...
In the Wake of Divinity's Gruesome Reveal Trailer, Larian Publishing Director Says It's Not Trying to Shock the Audience, Rather Treat Them 'With a Level of Intellectual Respect'
Larian publishing director Michael Douse has explained the studio’s thinking in the wake of the gruesome reveal trailer for Divinity, the Baldur’s Gate 3 studio’s next big role-playing game.
Spesh brings alt-comedy out of coffee shop backrooms and into the mainstream
A new Silver Lake production company launches unpolished, unconventional comedy specials designed to break streaming industry molds.
Vote for Week 2 Delaware HS Athlete of the Week, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists
Voting is free on Delaware Online. The winner will be announced on Dec. 19.
Rob Reiner used his fame to advocate for progressive causes. 'Just a really special man. A terrible day'
The Hollywood director known for 'Stand by Me' and 'When Harry Met Sally' was also a political force and an outspoken voice for same-sex marriage and early childhood education.
Police seek help identifying gunman who robbed Aurora business at gunpoint
Detectives have spoken with several people in the area who are familiar with the suspect but do not know his name, police said.
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
Fukuoka police said they arrested a 30-year-old suspect for allegedly stabbing a 44-year-old man in the chest at the facility on Sunday with what appeared to be a kitchen knife.
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese police said Monday they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries.
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese police said Monday they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries.
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka,...
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
2 stabbed at entertainment complex in southern Japan, police arrest a 30-year-old suspect
Trump pays respects to shooting victims; Health care crunch continues in Congress
Dell and Lenovo may limit mid-range laptops to 8GB DDR5 RAM in response to rising memory prices
With DDR5 RAM prices skyrocketing, some mid-range laptops could soon ship with budget-level specs. TrendForce expects companies like Dell and Lenovo to stock more notebooks with 8GB of memory. These reasonably priced options may no longer handle intense office and gaming tasks.
Israeli scientists work to remove atmospheric CO2 by mimicking weathering of rocks
Hebrew University experts continue in footsteps of Open University researcher who built special reactor that flushes CO2, seawater through rock, before his untimely death from cancer
Refugee and migrant health system review in Lithuania
Lithuania has experienced a substantial increase in the number of refugees and migrants, particularly following the 2021 Belarus border situation and the mass displacement from Ukraine in 2022. By late 2024, over 91,000 Ukrainians had been cumulatively registered in Lithuania, with about 47,000 holding valid temporary protection status. This increase, alongside sizeable communities of Belarusian nationals, Russian citizens and other regular migrants covered under compulsory health insurance contributions, has brought new challenges for Lithuania’s health system, especially related to continuity of care, interpretation support and equitable access across municipalities. This report presents the findings of a joint review of the health system in Lithuania, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, and other partners. The review examines the capacity of Lithuania’s health system to provide services for refugees and migrants. It focuses on the health challenges facing refugees and migrants, the policies and systems in place to address these challenges, and the opportunities to strengthen long-term health system capacity. Furthermore, the report offers practical recommendations for addressing the barriers refugees and migrants face in accessing health services.
Tuberculous hyperglycaemia: a clinical, epidemiological and public health perspective
A commentary, published in BMJ Global Health, highlights the need for a novel clinical concept: tuberculous hyperglycaemia.
Santa Maria Police catch suspected burglar behind closed business
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, around 5:28 p.m., a Santa Maria Police Department officer spotted a man trying to leave a secured parking lot next to a closed business.
Sunderland recreate Newcastle team photo after 'special' derby win
Nick Woltemade's own goal was enough to give Sunderland a win over Newcastle in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016.
5 Side Hustles From Home That Can Become Real Businesses In 2026
Side hustles from home are no longer just extra income. Here are five that can turn into real businesses in 2026, with clear next steps to apply.
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Changing A Key iPhone Feature For Some Users
The latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
Campbell County health and food inspections (12/5/25–12/11/25)
GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Consumer Health Services Division of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture conducts inspections of retail food establishments throughout Wyoming (where there is not a local health department that does inspections) to help ensure safety of Wyoming residents. Campbell County establishments are inspected at least once a year by the WDA. All of […]
iOS 26.2 Or iOS 18.7.3—Here’s Which New iPhone Update To Choose
Apple has released iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3, fixing iPhone security holes that have been used to perform real-life attacks. So, which iPhone update should you choose?
Apple Releases Emergency Patch For Two Zero-Day Flaws Used In Highly Targeted Attacks
Apple has issued urgent security updates to address two critical zero-day vulnerabilities that have been exploited in sophisticated real-world attacks targeting specific individuals, the company confirmed this week. The patches are part of a broader emergency update that spans iOS, iPadOS, macOS, wa
iOS 26.2—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users
Apple has released iOS 26.2, fixing 26 iPhone flaws, two of which are already being used in real-life attacks. Here's what you need to know.
Mental Health Matters, People with Mental Illness Matter Too
Personal Perspective: Amid the mental health positive catchphrases, deep-rooted prejudice still exists toward people living with serious mental health conditions.
Tanning bed users are at higher risk of skin cancer, especially in unusual places
Indoor tanning is trending among Gen Z. A new study finds tanning bed users not only have a much higher risk of melanoma, they also have DNA damage linked to cancer across nearly their entire skin.
Small Business Technology News This Week: Does Microsoft Have “Shoddy” Products?
Also: Agents are increasingly being used in the enterprise and some think AI could replace seasonal workers.
Will concert tickets ever be accessible in Canada?
Most people are familiar with the pains associated with buying tickets for high-profile events: Face value tickets are expensive — if they’re even available, and tickets often sell out fast, only to pop up on resale sites, where they’re sold for exorbitant prices. But there are ways to push back, experts say, especially as people voice increasing dissatisfaction.
Aspyr explains how it approached the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, patches planned
In a recent interview with Nintendo Everything, Aspyr explained how it approached the recently-released Nintendo Switch 2 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. There’s been a lot of talk about the port since the launch last month. Especially given that there’s also a version for the original Nintendo Switch, some have speculated that the Switch 2 version is based on...
Column | More money, more corruption requires more attention, nonprofit says
OpenSecrets, which started four decades ago, is renewing its drive to help voters follow the money between special interests and government officials.
Paradise Coast shooting suspect identified as North Carolina man
William Wharton of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been charged with aggravated battery following a shooting at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
Crowd rallies in Lewiston in support of Somalis
Speakers at the Lewiston rally pushed back against Trump’s recent comments about Somalis: “We are Americans. We are citizens, right? He should respect us and protect us and serve us like any other American.”
Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Details: Samsung Confirms Powerful Upgrade
Ahead of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's launch in January, Samsung's filings with the FCC reveal the answer to a long-standing community question... Exynos or Snapdragon?
Rapid Reaction: Northwestern takes care of business, defeating Jackson State 93-53
Your best source for quality Northwestern Wildcats news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.
Black-owned businesses highlighted in holiday market
G.I.F.T. stands for Generating Income for Tomorrow's Goal. The organization provides grants to Black-owned businesses in Kansas City with a specific interest in those operating in low-income areas.
iOS 26.2—Apple Confirms Critical Update For 1 Billion iPhones
Apple's update is finally here — and it includes urgent fixes.
Apple Confirms iPhone Attacks—All Users Must Update Now
1 billion users warned to update to iOS 26.2 now.
Who is Al Carns? Former Marine and Labour minister with sights on leadership
Ex-special forces colonel, who is sounding alarm on Russia, has risen swiftly to role of armed forces minister
US set to lose measles elimination status: The ‘house is on fire’
Measles outbreaks are spreading across the U.S., and the nation is likely to lose its status as a country where the disease is eliminated, something that infectious disease specialists say is direc…
The Petrolhead Corner: Celebrating F.A. Porsche's 90th Birthday
A unique chance to step into Porsche's Sonderwunsch facility and check out a very special 911 GT3 to celebrate 90 years of F.A. Porsche.
iOS 26.2—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users
Apple has released iOS 26.2, fixing 26 iPhone flaws, two of which are already being used in real-life attacks. Here's what you need to know.
Apple Issues Security Updates After Two WebKit Flaws Found Exploited in the Wild
Apple fixes two exploited WebKit bugs targeting specific users, issuing security updates across iOS, macOS, and Safari.
Business owner loses money over USPS shipping delays, Congressman demands answers
If you have a package on the way from USPS, you may have to wait a little longer, and several say they are already in that position. And, it’s been especially hurtful for business owners who rely on fast shipping for their products.
BIA Business Perspective: Connecting political and business leaders creates solutions
At the BIA’s 11th annual Leadership Summit this week a consistent theme arose: access to talent and available workforce is critical for New Hampshire’s economic future.
Saturday Pre-orders: Era of Ruin special edition guaranteed stock
This week’s new releases are live.
For Republicans, Trump’s Hands-Off Approach to Health Care Is a Problem
The prospect of soaring health care costs could exacerbate Americans’ feelings about affordability, an issue that President Trump has tried to downplay. But Democrats plan to keep the issue front and center.
Dueling Dem And GOP Health Care Bills Both Fail In The Senate— Now What?
Lynn Barr, founder of Caravan Health, joined "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss what's next and the best ways to bring down health care costs.
Qinshon Judkins Gives Perspective on Browns' Failed 2-Point Play
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins breaks his silence on the Cleveland Browns' pivotal two-point conversion miscue
The Republicans’ Endangered Health
The refusal to extend ACA subsidies becomes a huge political liability and signals deepening splits.
Why reliable internet is a must-have for a growing Brooklyn retail business
Spectrum Business helps Brooklyn retail businesses like Rider Gifts grow, enabling seamless e-commerce and team collaboration.
1 injured, 1 in custody following shooting at Paradise Sports Complex in Golden Gate Estates
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the shooting was reported at 10:30 a.m. Deputies responded to the scene and quickly took a suspect into custody.
Health Technologies: Where We Are Now and a Look Ahead to 2026
More than ever before, digital solutions are transforming how health care is accessed and delivered. The potential of health technologies to bring about transformative change is especially pronounced in rural areas where health care challenges such as hospital closures and health workforce shortages are acute.
The Paris Agreement Fueled A Decade Of Economic Growth, With Business Leading The Way
A decade after the Paris Agreement, U.S. economic competitiveness depends on continued global business leadership
Meet Landon Robinson: How Navy star NG emerged as Midshipmen's soft-spoken 'freak'
Robinson can do it all for Navy, from disrupting plays in the backfield to providing sparks on special teams
Belichick, UNC fire offensive, special teams coordinators after 4-8 season
Bill Belichick is making changes after his first season at North Carolina.
Speculative Meta Analysis of Mega Dimension DLC Megas in Pokémon GO
The Mega Dimension DLC of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is here, and the brand-new addition has fans on the edge of their seats with the revelation of new Mega Evolutions! Legends: Z-A brought a host of new Megas whose stats, when translated, gave us a good idea of how meta-relevant these Mega Evolutions would be in […]
Health inspections found moldy coconuts, room-temperature eggs
Pink buildup in an ice machine and signs of a pest infestation were among the violations found by Washoe County health inspectors from Nov. 8-14.
Timothée Chalamet won’t confirm or deny rumors he’s mysterious British rapper EsDeeKid
Timothée Chalamet is feeding speculation that he could be the anonymous British rapper EsDeeKid.
Apple iOS 26.2 Release Date—Critical Update For 1 Billion iPhones
Here's when Apple's next update should come to your iPhone.
Boston hospital cafeteria addresses health code violations after inspection
A December health inspection found multiple violations, including temperature control problems and poor sanitation practices.
Ex-Meta staffer nicknamed 'coding machine' says the best engineers aren't on LinkedIn — but they're special cases
Michael Novati , a former Meta principal software engineer, said the names of the best of the best engineers are "nowhere" online.
Scientists have been studying the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e. Could it harbor alien life? : Short Wave
Want to be a top notch candidate for hosting alien life? Then there's a few key requirements you should be aware of: Ideally, you're a large object like a moon or a planet; scientists suspect you also have an atmosphere and water; plus, you should orbit your star from a nice mid-range distance — in the "Goldilocks Zone" of habitability. Until recently, you would be competing against TRAPPIST-1 e. It's a planet outside of our solar system. TRAPPIST-1 e is also only 40 light years away, rocky and the same size as Earth, which prompted researchers to investigate whether it also has an atmosphere — and the potential for alien life. A team of researchers has been investigating TRAPPIST-1 e to learn more about its potential. Their answers, recently published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, say a lot not just about this exoplanet, but about how scientists should refocus their hunt for alien life.Interested in more space science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's an offering of the best of this week's crop, picked fresh off the Toonosphere. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
Sources: Trump told Blakeman victory unlikely in race against Stefanik
Blakeman told Spectrum News he feels he is the best man for the job.
Capcom Finally Confirms Leon S. Kennedy Is In Resident Evil Requiem | The Game Awards 2025
After months of speculation and a revealing leak earlier this week, Capcom has finally, officially confirmed what we all knew: Leon S. Kennedy is in Resident Evil Requiem, and he's here to kick butt.
YouTube TV to offer new plans, including Sports package with ESPN
YouTube TV will expand its subscription options in 2026 with more than '10 genre-specific packages' including a Sports Plan with ESPN.
Local business owner introduces monthly hands-on AI workshops
GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- A local business owner and educator is launching a new AI training series designed specifically for small business owners in Grand Junction. Nick Gumpert, owner of the UPS Store on 12th Street and Patterson Road, is introducing a monthly lineup of hands-on artificial intelligence workshops beginning in February. Gumpert said after […]
RFK Jr.’s Health Department Is Pondering a National Men’s Health Initiative
At an FDA discussion of testosterone replacement therapy, a top official called for special health centers to address a “men’s health crisis.” Others called to ease men’s access to hormones.
AI Bubble Or Business Revolution? Essential Business Insights
Most AI companies will fail, yet the industry will transform business. The trial and error economy drives today's AI revolution alongside significant risks.
Exciting spectacle awaits enthusiasts at science city | Lucknow News - The Times of India
Lucknow: If you're in Lucknow and eager to experience vibrant underwater world of Australia's coral reefs, nature and history, like ‘Journey to Space,.
Stand up and take a stand, ACC. Call Notre Dame's bluff after CFP brouhaha
After brouhaha with the College Football Playoff selection of Miami, the ACC must play hardball with Notre Dame and regain respectability.
iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more.
12 Days of Regulatory Insights: Day 6 – Sports Wagering, Player Proposition Bets, and Prediction Market Battles
In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by Cole White from our RISE Practice Group's
Despite Chiefs’ 2025 struggles, the Chargers still respect their rival
Los Angeles expects a competitive Week 15 game against Kansas City.
Lawmakers move to phase out health-specific retirement benefit
Lawmakers may instead bulk up Hoosier START, the state's defined benefit plans. They say that would offer retirees and current staff greater flexibility.
Penn State College of Ag Sciences to offer food science short courses
In 2026, food inspectors and sanitarians, quality assurance managers, food plant managers and food engineers can learn the latest developments in food science with short courses offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Islanders Gameday News: Here come the Ducks
They’re not your father’s Ducks! Or at least not your older brother’s Ducks, or something. Tonight the Islanders host a Fairly Strong Ducks of Anaheim team that is first in its division at a very respectable 19-10-1. After years of “very tough negotiator” Pat Verbeek at the helm, it seems he just needed to hire […]
NFL Week 15 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game
Microsoft Copilot AI is coming off another respectable week predicting the results of NFL games. Here are its NFL Week 15 picks.
One Critical Factor Predicts Longevity Better Than Diet or Exercise, Study Says
It's vital for almost every aspect of our well-being.
Tiny tracker following monarch butterflies during California migration
When this monarch butterfly hits the sky it won't be traveling alone. In fact, an energetic team of researchers will be following along with a revolutionary technology that's already unlocking secrets that could help the entire species survive.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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AppleInsider.com
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